Caffè Misto: The Perfect Balance of Brew and Steam

• Short 8 fl oz
• Tall 12 fl oz
• Grande 16 fl oz
• Venti 20 fl oz

$3.65 – 50 Calories

$3.75 – 80 Calories

$4.25 – 110 Calories

$4.65 – 130 Calories

The Starbucks Caffè Misto is a smooth and warming half-coffee, half-steamed-milk drink that blends the rich depth of freshly brewed Pike Place® Roast with velvety steamed 2% milk. Available in Short, Tall, Grande, and Venti sizes, the Caffè Misto delivers a milder, creamier coffee experience than a standard drip cup while costing less than most espresso-based lattes. It is one of the most underrated and affordable drinks on the entire Starbucks menu in 2026.

Starbucks Caffè Misto Quick Facts (2026)

What Is a Starbucks Caffè Misto?

A Starbucks Caffè Misto — also known as a “café au lait” in French coffee tradition — is a simple yet satisfying drink made by combining equal parts freshly brewed hot coffee and steamed milk. Unlike a Caffè Latte, which uses espresso shots as its coffee base, the Misto uses drip-brewed coffee, giving it a distinctly different flavor profile that is lighter, smoother, and less concentrated.

At Starbucks, the Caffè Misto starts with Pike Place® Roast — a smooth, well-rounded medium roast — though you can request any brewed coffee available that day, including Blonde Roast for a lighter taste or Dark Roast for a bolder kick. The barista fills half your cup with the freshly brewed coffee, then steams 2% milk and pours it over the top, creating a warm, creamy drink with a thin layer of microfoam. The result is a comforting cup that bridges the gap between a plain black coffee and a rich espresso latte.

Starbucks Caffè Misto Price 2026 (All Sizes)

Note: Prices are estimated averages for U.S. locations in 2026. Actual prices vary by state, city, and store type. Airport and licensed Starbucks locations typically charge a premium. The Caffè Misto is consistently one of the cheapest hot drinks on the menu — significantly less expensive than espresso-based lattes.

What Affects Starbucks Caffè Misto Prices?

Location is the primary pricing factor. Urban stores in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles charge $0.30 to $0.75 more than suburban or rural locations. Airport and hotel Starbucks stores add a further $0.50 to $1.00 premium. Customizations also increase the price: switching to oat milk adds $0.80, adding a flavored syrup pump costs $0.70, and an extra espresso shot (to make it a “Red Eye Misto”) adds $0.80. The base Caffè Misto with no modifications is one of the most affordable options at Starbucks.

Starbucks Caffè Misto Calories by Size

The Caffè Misto is one of the lightest drinks on the Starbucks menu because brewed coffee has virtually zero calories — all the calories come from the steamed milk portion. A grande with 2% milk has just 110 calories, making it lighter than a Caffè Latte (190 cal), Cappuccino (140 cal), and most flavored drinks. For the lowest calorie option, order with nonfat milk at just 60 calories per grande.

Starbucks Caffè Misto Nutrition Facts (Grande, 2% Milk)

The 9 grams of sugar in a standard grande Caffè Misto come entirely from the natural lactose in 2% milk — there are no added sweeteners whatsoever. This makes it one of the naturally lowest-sugar drinks at Starbucks. By comparison, a grande Caramel Macchiato has 33 grams of sugar. Even adding a single pump of vanilla syrup only adds about 5 grams, keeping the total well under most other menu options.

Starbucks Caffè Misto Caffeine Content

The caffeine in a Caffè Misto scales linearly with size because it depends on how much brewed coffee is used — unlike espresso drinks where shots come in fixed increments. A Venti Caffè Misto with Pike Place® Roast packs a substantial 195 mg of caffeine. If you want even more caffeine, ask for Blonde Roast as the base — it has slightly more caffeine per ounce than Pike Place. A grande Blonde Roast Misto delivers approximately 170 mg of caffeine.

Starbucks Caffè Misto Ingredients

Core Ingredients

• Brewed Coffee (Pike Place® Roast): A smooth, well-rounded medium roast with rich cocoa and toasted nut notes — Starbucks’ flagship blend since 1986
• Steamed Milk (2% by default): Steamed to create a warm, creamy texture with a thin layer of microfoam on top

The Caffè Misto is one of the simplest drinks at Starbucks with just two ingredients: brewed coffee and milk. No espresso, no syrups, no toppings. This purity makes it an excellent base for customization — you control exactly how much sweetness, flavor, or richness you add.

Starbucks Caffè Misto Allergen Information

The standard Caffè Misto contains milk as the only allergen. It is free of nuts, soy, gluten, and eggs unless you add flavored syrups or toppings. Switching to oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk removes the dairy allergen entirely. The brewed coffee component contains no allergens. All alternative milks are available at no extra charge for customers with documented allergies at participating locations, though the standard $0.80 upcharge applies otherwise.

Starbucks Caffè Misto Flavor Profile and Taste Review

The Caffè Misto delivers a gentle, approachable coffee taste that sits between black coffee and a full latte. The Pike Place® Roast base provides smooth, medium-bodied coffee notes with subtle hints of cocoa and toasted nuts, while the steamed milk rounds out any bitterness and adds a creamy, comforting warmth. The thin microfoam on top gives each sip a slightly velvety texture without the thick, airy foam of a Cappuccino.

Who Will Love the Caffè Misto

• Coffee drinkers who want something creamier than black coffee but lighter than a latte
• Budget-conscious customers looking for the most affordable hot drink
• Calorie-watchers who want a low-calorie warm drink (just 110 cal for a grande)
• People who prefer brewed coffee flavor over espresso intensity

Who Might Not Like It

• Espresso lovers who want bold, concentrated coffee flavor
• Anyone who prefers sweet, flavored, or dessert-like coffee drinks
• Customers who prefer cold or iced beverages (Misto is hot only)

Is Starbucks Caffè Misto Worth It in 2026? Price, Value, and Taste Review

At $4.25 for a grande, the Caffè Misto is one of the best values on the Starbucks menu. It costs less than a Caffè Latte ($4.95), Cappuccino ($4.65), and Flat White ($5.25). You get a warm, creamy drink with real brewed coffee flavor at a lower price point than any espresso-based option. The Tall at just $3.75 is arguably the cheapest satisfying hot drink at Starbucks — only a plain brewed coffee costs less.

For regular Starbucks visitors on a budget, the Caffè Misto is the smart daily driver. It delivers caffeine, creaminess, and warmth without the premium espresso price tag. Starbucks Rewards members can redeem a free Misto at just 150 Stars, and during Happy Hour promotions, a BOGO deal makes two grandes cost less than $4.50 total.

Starbucks Caffè Misto vs Caffè Latte vs Drip Coffee (Which One Should You Choose?)

Caffè Misto vs Caffè Latte at Starbucks

The fundamental difference is the coffee base: the Misto uses brewed coffee while the Latte uses espresso shots. This means the Misto has a lighter, more rounded coffee flavor, while the Latte is richer and more concentrated. The Latte also uses more milk (about 75% of the cup) compared to the Misto’s 50/50 split. The Misto wins on price ($4.25 vs $4.95) and calories (110 vs 190), while the Latte wins on richness and creaminess.

Caffè Misto vs Drip Coffee at Starbucks

Both use brewed coffee as the base, but the Misto adds half a cup of steamed milk for creaminess. A plain drip coffee has dramatically more caffeine (310 mg vs 150 mg for a grande) because the full cup is coffee with no milk displacement. If you need maximum caffeine at the lowest price, drip coffee wins. If you want a warmer, creamier, more balanced experience, the Misto is the upgrade worth the extra $1.30.

How to Order a Starbucks Caffè Misto (2026)

Standard In-Store Order

Simply say: “I’d like a [size] Caffè Misto.” You can also call it a “café au lait” and most baristas will know what you mean. If you want a different coffee base, specify it: “Grande Caffè Misto with Blonde Roast” or “Tall Misto with Dark Roast.” You can also ask for extra foam if you like a cappuccino-like texture.

Mobile App Ordering Tips

Open the Starbucks app, search “Caffè Misto,” select your size, and customize. The app lets you choose milk type, add syrups, and select your preferred roast. Mobile orders skip the in-store line and earn Stars. Pro tip: if your store has a Featured Roast or Reserve coffee available, you can sometimes request it as your Misto base in-store for a more premium experience.

Best Starbucks Caffè Misto Customizations (Popular Orders in 2026)

Vanilla Caffè Misto (Most Popular)

Add 2 pumps of vanilla syrup to a grande for a subtly sweet, aromatic drink that stays under 160 calories. This is the most commonly ordered Misto customization because it adds just enough sweetness to complement the coffee without overpowering it.

Blonde Roast Caffè Misto (Lighter and Brighter)

Request Blonde Roast instead of Pike Place® for a lighter, slightly citrusy, and naturally sweeter coffee flavor. The Blonde Roast also has more caffeine per ounce, so you get a smoother taste with a bigger energy boost. This is ideal for people who find Pike Place® too dark or robust.

Oat Milk Caffè Misto (Best Dairy-Free)

Oat milk’s natural sweetness and creamy body make it the perfect alternative milk for a Misto. It froths well, adds a subtle oaty richness, and pairs beautifully with Pike Place® Roast. Many customers find the oat milk version tastes better than the standard 2% milk recipe.

Honey Caffè Misto (Naturally Sweet)

Add 2 pumps of honey blend syrup for a naturally sweet, warm, and slightly floral flavor. Honey pairs beautifully with brewed coffee and is a favorite among customers who prefer natural sweeteners over refined sugar. This combination tastes like a cozy autumn drink.

Red Eye Misto (Maximum Caffeine)

Add an espresso shot to your Caffè Misto for a “Red Eye” effect — you get the smooth drip coffee flavor plus a bold espresso kick. A grande Red Eye Misto packs about 225 mg of caffeine compared to 150 mg standard. This costs an extra $0.80 but delivers serious energy for busy mornings.

Cinnamon Dolce Caffè Misto (Warm and Spiced)

Add 2 pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder on top. The warm spice notes pair perfectly with the brewed coffee base, creating a comforting drink that works beautifully in fall and winter. This customization costs about $0.70 extra.

Is Starbucks Caffè Misto Healthy?

Pros

• Only 110 calories for a grande with 2% milk — lighter than most menu drinks
• Zero added sugar in the standard recipe (9g sugar is all natural lactose)
• 7 grams of protein from milk
• 150 mg caffeine for a solid energy boost
• One of the lowest-calorie warm drinks at Starbucks (nonfat version = 60 cal grande)

Cons

• Contains dairy by default
• Unsweetened taste may lead some to add excessive sugar
• Not available iced at most locations

Ways to Make It Healthier

• Order with nonfat milk (drops to 60 calories per grande)
• Choose almond milk for the lowest calorie alternative (60 cal grande)
• Use sugar-free vanilla syrup if you want sweetness without the sugar
• Order a Short for a perfectly portioned 30-calorie nonfat Misto
• Request extra foam for a lighter texture with fewer calories

Best Food Pairings with Starbucks Caffè Misto

The Caffè Misto’s smooth, balanced flavor pairs naturally with a wide range of Starbucks Bakery items. A Butter Croissant is the classic pairing — the flaky, buttery layers complement the mild coffee beautifully. For a heartier breakfast, try it with a Bacon, Sausage & Egg Wrap or Bacon & Gruyère Egg Bites. In the afternoon, an Old Fashioned Glazed Doughnut or Chocolate Chip Cookie provides a sweet contrast to the coffee. The Misto’s mild flavor makes it one of the most versatile food-pairing drinks on the menu.

How to Make a Starbucks Caffè Misto at Home

DIY Caffè Misto Recipe

1. Brew 8 ounces of medium roast coffee using a drip coffee maker, pour-over, or French press (use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 8 ounces of water)
2. Heat 8 ounces of 2% milk in a saucepan until steaming (around 150°F, not boiling)
3. Froth the milk using a steam wand, French press plunger, or handheld frother until slightly foamy
4. Pour the brewed coffee into a large mug, filling it halfway
5. Pour the steamed milk over the coffee to fill the cup
6. Optional: add vanilla syrup, honey, or cinnamon to taste

The Caffè Misto is one of the easiest Starbucks drinks to replicate at home because it requires no espresso machine — just a drip coffee maker and a way to heat milk. A homemade Misto costs roughly $0.30 per cup compared to $4.25 at Starbucks, making it an excellent daily-driver recipe for budget-conscious coffee lovers.

Customer Favorites and Popular Feedback

The Caffè Misto has a devoted fan base among Starbucks regulars who appreciate its simplicity and affordability. The most common praise centers on its balanced, non-bitter flavor and the fact that it is one of the cheapest drinks on the menu. Many customers call it the “secret budget hack” because it tastes like a latte but costs about $0.70 less. The most common criticism is that some locations do not steam the milk to the same quality standard as espresso drinks, so the texture can vary. If this happens, politely ask the barista to re-steam the milk — they are usually happy to do so.

How to Save Money on Starbucks Caffè Misto

• Join Starbucks Rewards: Earn Stars on every purchase and redeem a free Misto at 150 Stars
• Order a Tall: At $3.75, it is one of the absolute cheapest hot drinks at Starbucks
• Happy Hour BOGO: Watch for buy-one-get-one promotions in the Starbucks app
• Bring your own cup: Save $0.10 per drink with a reusable cup
• Skip the syrup: The plain Misto is already smooth without paid add-ons
• Make it at home: A homemade Misto costs about $0.30 per cup

Frequently Asked Questions About Starbucks Caffè Misto

How much is a Starbucks Caffè Misto in 2026?

A Short costs $3.65, a Tall costs $3.75, a Grande costs $4.25, and a Venti costs $4.65 at most U.S. Starbucks locations in 2026. Prices vary by location and store type.

How many calories are in a Starbucks Caffè Misto?

A grande Caffè Misto with 2% milk has 110 calories. A Short has 50, a Tall has 80, and a Venti has 130. Choosing nonfat milk reduces a grande to just 60 calories.

What is the difference between a Caffè Misto and a Caffè Latte?

A Caffè Misto uses brewed drip coffee mixed with steamed milk in a 50/50 ratio. A Caffè Latte uses espresso shots with mostly steamed milk (about 75% milk). The Misto is lighter, cheaper, and lower in calories, while the Latte is richer, creamier, and more espresso-forward.

What is another name for a Caffè Misto?

A Caffè Misto is the Italian name for what the French call “café au lait” — literally “coffee with milk.” Both terms refer to a drink made with equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk. Starbucks uses the Italian name on their menu.

Can you get an iced Caffè Misto at Starbucks?

The Caffè Misto is not officially offered iced on the Starbucks menu. If you want an iced version, you can ask for an iced coffee with milk added, which achieves a similar flavor profile in a cold format.

Is the Starbucks Caffè Misto sweet?

No, the standard Caffè Misto has no added sweeteners. It has a smooth, mild coffee taste balanced by the natural creaminess of steamed milk. You can add vanilla, caramel, or other syrup flavors to sweeten it to your preference.

Can you change the coffee in a Caffè Misto?

Yes. The default is Pike Place® Roast, but you can request any brewed coffee your store has available that day. Popular alternatives include Blonde Roast (lighter, more caffeine), Dark Roast (bolder, smokier), or any featured seasonal roast.

How much caffeine is in a Starbucks Caffè Misto?

A Short has 75 mg, a Tall has 115 mg, a Grande has 150 mg, and a Venti has 195 mg of caffeine with Pike Place® Roast. Switching to Blonde Roast increases caffeine by approximately 15-20% per size.

Is the Caffè Misto available all year?

Yes, the Caffè Misto is a permanent menu item available at all U.S. Starbucks locations year-round. It is not seasonal or limited-time.

Final Verdict: Is the Starbucks Caffè Misto Worth It?

The Starbucks Caffè Misto is the best-kept secret on the menu in 2026. At just $4.25 for a grande with 110 calories and zero added sugar, it delivers a warm, creamy, and balanced coffee experience for less than any espresso-based latte. It is the perfect daily driver for anyone who loves coffee but wants a smoother, gentler experience than a plain drip cup. Whether you drink it straight or customize it with vanilla, oat milk, or an extra espresso shot, the Caffè Misto is a reliable, affordable, and delicious staple that deserves far more recognition. Explore more options on our Hot Coffee Menu page or browse other favorites like the Cappuccino and Caffè Latte.